Bail set at $1M for San Jose dad charged with murder in daughter's death

SAN JOSE (KTVU) -- A Santa Clara County judge on Friday set bail at $1 million for the San Jose man charged with murder after his 6-week-old baby girl died early Friday from injuries she received from the man, authorities said.

The sheriff's office said the girl, who has not been identified, died Friday morning shortly before 1 a.m. She had been listed in critical condition before she died. She was rushed Tuesday to Valley Medical Center and treated for skull fractures and other injuries, Santa Clara sheriff’s office said.

Her father, Matthew Zabala, 32, of San Jose was arrested and was being held at the Santa Clara County jail, where he has been charged with felony child abuse and felony domestic violence charges, authorities said. The sheriff's office said Friday charges have been upgraded to murder.

During his arraignment at the Hall of Justice in San Jose Friday afternoon, a judge set bail at $1 million. Zabala is scheduled to return to court on Sept. 1.

Sheriff's deputies were called Tuesday afternoon to Valley Medical Center after the 6-week infant girl was rushed by ambulance to the hospital earlier this week. Investigators learned that the girl had been taken to the hospital on Sunday for treatment.

Sheriff's deputies went to the home where she lived in the 50th block of Boston Avenue in unincorporated San Jose. The deputies called for a severe child injury response team to conduct an investigation based on the nature of the girl's injuries, sheriff's Sgt. James Jensen has said.

After talking to the girl's parents, deputies arrested Zabala, authorities said.

The sheriff and the Valley Medical Center Foundation are raising funds to pay for a funeral for the girl.  To donate, click here